Diversity Mark took part in the Institution of Civil Engineers Northern Ireland’s event recently, “Do We Have What it Takes to Be a Civil Engineer: From Bystander to Ally.”
Diversity Mark’s Head of Business Development, Todd Engman, led a panel discussion on the topic of the need for more Allyship within the Civil Engineering space.
Todd said, “Change doesn’t come from those who need it, but rather from those who have the power to give it.” More leaders recognise it is in their best interest to create a more inclusive work space because it will expand the talent pool and improve retention.
The panel, Leo Martin – Managing Director Civil Engineering at Graham Group, Paula Leathem – Head of HR at NIE Networks, Stephen McCully – Board Member & Chair of F&G Committee at Women In Business NI, and Rachel Woodward – PhD Researcher in Geotechnical Engineering at at Ulster University, provided their unique perspectives on the importance of allyship and inclusion within the Civil Engineering and broader sectors here in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Sandra Lee, Managing Director at Training & Learning Solutions, provided a wonderful keynote address on moving from Bystander to Ally, and covered key Allyship steps we can all take to build a more inclusive workplace.
Attendees took away practical learnings on how small actions can drive meaningful change and delve deeper into the areas of:
– impact of bystander intervention
– skills needed to foster equity
– challenges creating diverse environments
Congratulations to the Institution for Civil Engineering Northern Ireland for promoting ED&I initiatives and encouraging more discussion on this topic amongst their members.
If you would like to know how Diversity Mark can support your organisation in its EDI journey, please book a call here.
